During week 2 (January 9-15, 2005)*, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States. Three hundred ninety (14.6%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories were positive for influenza viruses. The proportion of patient visits to sentinel providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above the national baseline and the proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is above the epidemic threshold. There have been two influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported to CDC this season. Ten states and New York City reported widespread influenza activity, 14 states reported regional influenza activity, and 11 states reported local activity. Fifteen states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico reported sporadic influenza activity. Many states such as California, Massachusetts, Michigan and Oregon have lifted all restriction on influenza vaccination, making it available to anyone who wishes to avoid contracting influenza this season. Ohio is among the states that have not lifted all restrictions on influenza vaccination.